francesmthompson's Reviews (976)

Beautifully assembled, fascinating to dip in and out of and truly inspiring and mind-opening for meal planning which has been ESSENTIAL in 2020.

Who knew there was SO MUCH to learn about colours. A brilliant reference book I love having on display at home, and dipping into often.

Should be handed to every new mother immediately after birth. Soothing, connecting, healing and dripping in love.

I was really happy to read this collection of gentle stories that touch on elements of Irish country life that I get the distinct impression the author has witnessed or experienced personally. Though a self-published book, these stories are very polished and are written with calm confidence. My only reason for not awarding Dancing Shadows, Tramping Hooves 5 stars is that I like my short stories with a little bit of a twist and these do not really fall under that category - nor should they! They are fully intended as calm quiet stories about real life and real people so the lack of twist doesn't dilute their charm at all. I also wished that this collection was a little longer. The author was so effective in capturing slices of life from a country that I find so rich in character and charm... I would have liked to have stopped in the richly green Ireland countryside a little longer!

I know Dianne Ascroft has authored a full-length novel about a child's evacuation from Germany to Ireland during the Second World War, and now I'm very intrigued to read this. I recommend this collection of short stories for anyone with a knowledge of or interest in rural life in Northern Ireland and though short the ebook is great value for its price (currently under £1 on Amazon.co.uk).

Some friends bought this book for our son (aged 2.5) and he absolutely loves it. Had no idea the original was French but think translation is pretty flawless and now all he wants to say is "po bum".

Dated but not as much as you would think for a 20-year-old novel. Other reviewers have complained about the Australian history lessons - specifically about the abuse and systemic oppression of the aboriginal people - woven into the story but I found it actually a good thing and in that respect, a book ahead of its time.